Vol. 530 No. 6
49 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance if he has received proposals to set up a uni versal account system for State payments; the action he will take on foot of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28009/00]
Proposals have been received in 1999 from the banks by the Taoiseach and me in relation to the improvement of retail payments systems. Among these was a proposal for the establishment of a payment account to be operated on a non-competitive basis by an arm of the State or the central payments system companies owned by the banks. Among the payment transactions which such an account could facilitate would be payments of salaries, social welfare allowances, pensions and grant payments made by the State.
The proposal is being dealt with by the Department of the Taoiseach. A working group has been established and, I understand, discussions are ongoing with the banks and An Post to develop the proposal further. I look forward to receiving final proposals in relation to the concept.
